Dalby soccer ground set to be renamed Don McPherson Oval

The Dalby soccer oval will be renamed in honour of a lifelong soccer player, coach, manager and referee. MORE DETAILS.

Don McPherson with his volunteer medals

A beloved figure within the Dalby soccer community will be immortalised with the PCYC Dalby football oval to be named in his honour.

In December last year Western Downs Regional Council received a submission proposing the erection of a plaque at the former Dalby Soccer Grounds to recognise the late Don McPherson, who passed away last year and was a founding figure of the Dalby and District Senior Soccer Association and a significant contributor to the Junior Soccer Club and Referees Association.

After consultation with former players, a more fitting tribute was recommended, renaming the Football Dalby fields at the PCYC to the “Don McPherson Oval”.

Previously, the former Dalby Soccer Grounds on the corner of Condamine and Coxen streets now the Dalby dog park, bore the informal title ‘Don McPherson Oval’ but the current grounds will now be formally named after him.

Val and Don McPherson. Photo Elouise Quinlivan / Dalby Herald

Dalby Football life member Paul Donnelly said it was important to remember Don for his contribution to sport and the community.

“Originally what is now the dog park were the senior soccer grounds (and) was originally called Don McPherson Oval and there were two signs at the oval, one that said Don McPherson Oval and another larger sign which said Don McPherson Oval home of the Tigers,” he said.

“When they moved everything to the PCYC they took down the signs but they were referring to it as the Don McPherson dog park which I didn't feel was right because it was always soccer related and now it’s a dog park I didn't feel it was the right thing to name after him.

“I spoke to the Dalby football club to have his name associated with the new grounds and that came about after talking to a number of ex-players who also wanted the oval named after him.

“He was one of the people who formed the senior club back in 1970, he was a referee, he was a player, he was a coach, he was manager and did a lot of things for sports across the Western Downs.

“Back in the ‘90s and the 2000s he was a fixture around the place, he was president of the club at one point and he passed away last year.”

PCYC sign

In a message to council Don’s daughter Sandi Clutterbuck said her dad would’ve been honoured to have the oval named after him.

“We would be honoured to have our father’s legacy Don McPherson Oval of the Dalby soccer association moved to its new home,” she wrote.

“Our father was extremely passionate when it came to soccer/cricket/tennis and involved from juniors through to seniors he played umpired and stood as president on many committees of the sporting community in which he received numerous life memberships so he may be gone but the memories will remain strong in the Dalby.

“Once again thank you for honouring the great man we call Dad he would be most humble.”

The community can have their feedback on the renaming via the council website.

Originally published as Dalby soccer ground set to be renamed Don McPherson Oval